The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office is urging boaters to check required safety equipment before heading out on area lakes for the holiday weekend.
The Sheriff's Office Marine Division said boaters should make sure they are prepared under New York State marine law before launching, especially if they plan to be on the water after dark or while watching fireworks.
The office said every vessel should have a properly fitting life jacket for each passenger, a throwable flotation device, a whistle, horn or other sound-producing device, an anchor with sufficient line, visual distress signals when required and a fire extinguisher when required.
Boaters planning to be out after dark should also check that navigation lights are working, including red and green bow lights and a white stern light.
The sheriff's office said marine patrol deputies will be on the water throughout the holiday weekend to help keep boaters safe and in compliance.
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